One spirit interfaith seminary6/11/2023 ![]() The New Seminary New York was founded by Rabbi Joseph Gelberman in the 1981 with the support of religious leaders Swami Satchidananda, Reverend Jon Mundy (a Methodist Minister) and Father Giles Spoonhour (a Catholic Priest). This was an independent sister program to The New Seminary in New York where Miranda trained and was ordained. We trained with The Interfaith Seminary which was founded in London by Reverend Miranda Holden in 1996 (it was known as The New Seminary at that time). We’re not trying to create a new religion, nor convert anyone away from their existing faith, but support people to enquire more deeply within, in the direction of living peaceful, meaningful and loving lives. We feel that the completion of the training is just the start of a life-long journey and we hope that we can offer support where it’s needed. The second year of training concentrates on the practical aspects of ministry – ceremony and spiritual counselling with a continuation of the personal journey. As Ministers we find this to be a continual personal journey and every day brings new opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. If there’s to be peace and tolerance in the world the invitation for every single person is to practice the essence of all philosophical and spiritual teachings – forgiveness, compassion, acceptance, kindness, honesty, truth, unconditional love. We know that there are obvious differences between religions, but approach them as a potential source of enrichment rather than as threatening and hold the vision of a brotherhood and sisterhood of humanity. ![]() Part of the philosophy of Interfaith Ministers is 'always in addition to' and we cultivate the deepest respect for the essence at the heart of each tradition and for the work being done by many of those in positions of spiritual leadership. ![]() Of our two year training, the first year focussed on deepening and strengthening our own personal connection to our core inner nature and building greater Self-awareness also building a foundation of knowledge of different spiritual and religious paths, 'tasting' the essence of the different paths through spiritual practice, structured reading and written assignments, and talking with people of those faiths and visiting their houses of worship. You’ll find more information about training with the Interfaith Seminary and the Interfaith Foundation below. Those of us who are Interfaith Ministers have been ordained and certified by our community of elders - legally we fall into the category of ‘non-conformist’ ministers. ![]() We also feel part of our role is to bring your ceremony alive for you on the day, and help to create a very special experience for you - to be the presence of joy for your wedding or naming ceremony, and the presence of peace, calmness and compassion for your funeral or memorial. We feel our role as your Minister or Celebrant is help you become clear about what you would like for your ceremony, so that your ceremony is everything you would wish for. We work locally to where we live and some of us are prepared to travel to wherever you would have us go. We’re Ministers in service of people from all faiths and no faith. We’re not affiliated to any particular church or religious or spiritual tradition. We make ourselves available either full or part time for traditional ministry in an alternative way. We’re all independent, self employed Ministers and Celebrants in Scotland and creating ceremony for people is our passion and our chosen profession.
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